Day: August 7, 2007

New building to advance study of tuberculosis in cattle, wildlife

Two veterinarians who study tuberculosis can’t wait to move their research into the new high-containment large animal facility at the National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, Iowa. Even before the dedication, Drs. Mitchell V. Palmer and W. Ray Waters relocated some white-tailed deer to the premises so the animals could acclimate—and help showcase the special cervid rooms. The veterinary medical officers work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which began tuberculosis research in 1992 to respond to an increasing prevalence of the disease in cattle. Dr. Palmer said the main objectives are to improve diagnostic tests

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House again rejects funding for horse slaughter plant inspections

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted once more to stop spending money on inspections of horse slaughter plants. The measure, approved late Thursday, was part of a $91 billion spending bill for farm subsidies and nutrition programs. The House approved the overall spending bill 237-18 with 165 mostly Republican lawmakers not voting. President Bush has promised to veto the bill because of its cost. Two horse slaughter plants that had been operating in Texas were shut down after the owners lost court fights over the past year. A third in DeKalb, Ill., continues to operate while the

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